1983 300D with cracked cam bearing towers.

[Mad_Matt]

OK so I pulled the VC off to fid 3 or the 4 Cam shaft bearing towers cracked and the one ar the rear of the block busted into 2 pieces. What would cause this? It does not appear that any oil is reaching the 3 broken cam shaft bearing towers. any idea of what to look for? Is that a good way to use a pump to test the oil gallies in this old girl.

So I've been thinking about replacing the cam and the cam bearing towers and doing a leak down test to verify the valves seat well and the ring condition but I'd hate to replace these parts and have something leas go wrong.

[Mad_Matt]

Ta add a bit more meat to the post. I though the oil pressure gauge sending unit quit as there was no OP when I started the car. Well the 1983 has a mechanical OP gauge. The OP has failed. I'm betting the engine it toast. Well at leas tthe bearings. the cam and the cam bearings are done. I must say it's mice to have a guy like Roy to talk with. He nailed it on the first shot.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Mad_Matt

OK so I pulled the VC off to fid 3 or the 4 Cam shaft bearing towers cracked and the one ar the rear of the block busted into 2 pieces. What would cause this? It does not appear that any oil is reaching the 3 broken cam shaft bearing towers. any idea of what to look for? Is that a good way to use a pump to test the oil gallies in this old girl.

So I've been thinking about replacing the cam and the cam bearing towers and doing a leak down test to verify the valves seat well and the ring condition but I'd hate to replace these parts and have something leas go wrong.

I think you had already diagnosed the problem.

[barry123400]

Better check the cam to crank timing. Your problem is a possibly out of timing situation breaking the towers.

[Mad_Matt]

I'm really thinking the Op quit as the cam bearing journals are dry. I found a good replacement engine but it's in Detroit and it will be 3 or 4 weeks before I can even think of picking it up.

[vstech]

I'm in NC, and have a few cars sitting around if you like.

[bgkast]

Sounds like the cam timing was off and the valves were introduced to the pistons. I don't think lack of oil would cause the towers to crack.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by bgkast

Sounds like the cam timing was off and the valves were introduced to the pistons. I don't think lack of oil would cause the towers to crack.

I agree.

[Mad_Matt]

Well The cam towers are dry and the cam is scored like a break rotor with no pad. I'm betting the cam welded it's self to the towers and bam. Timing could be off also but it starts and runs off 2and a half banks. The cam is up so high in the rear that it barely touches the valves on #3 and no contact on #4. This old girl is in need of a new heart.

The thing that kills me is it runs and drives. Not well but it moves under it's own power.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Mad_Matt

Well The cam towers are dry and the cam is scored like a break rotor with no pad. I'm betting the cam welded it's self to the towers and bam. Timing could be off also but it starts and runs off 2and a half banks. The cam is up so high in the rear that it barely touches the valves on #3 and no contact on #4. This old girl is in need of a new heart.

The thing that kills me is it runs and drives. Not well but it moves under it's own power.

Most unusual. It does sound like you have a good point. If the cam chain had broken there is no way for it to run...(obviously).

[babyjames]

No oil pressure = slack timing chain?? Chain skipped a tooth or twenty ---> busted cam??

Possible?

Jay.